Construction of No.3 Circle Square, a cutting-edge workspace in Manchester’s Circle Square neighbourhood, has reached a significant milestone. The £87 million, 267,000 sq. ft building designed to reflect the city’s Victorian and Edwardian architecture has topped out. This achievement was celebrated with a ceremony led by Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group, and John Marland, Chief Development Officer of Bruntwood SciTech.
No.3 Circle Square, led by GMI Construction Group, promises to be a pivotal development in Manchester’s thriving tech community. Located within the Oxford Road Corridor knowledge quarter, the building will have 15 floors designed to foster creativity and innovation. This forward-thinking project by Bruntwood SciTech, in collaboration with Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, supports the UK’s ambition to become a global science and technology hub.
Lee Powell and John Marland hosted the topping-out ceremony, burying a time capsule on-site to commemorate the occasion. Attendees were able to witness the rapid progress of the construction, which began in July 2023. Circle Square’s workspaces, including No.1 and No.2, are fully occupied by global tech brands and startups alike. This new space is expected to open in Spring 2025 and will offer flexible office spaces catering to diverse business needs, from global names to burgeoning tech companies.
The design of No.3 Circle Square includes a large shared roof terrace with city views, breakout spaces, and a lounge. The amenities are complemented by ‘grab and go’ food options, 24/7 access with superfast connectivity, on-site security, bookable meeting rooms, and access to neighbouring Circle Square facilities. The focus on wellbeing and active travel is evident through secure bike storage and high-quality shower and changing facilities.
With direct access to Symphony Gardens, the new workspace also emphasises environmental sustainability. The area is designed to promote biodiversity and provide a shared green space. The ground floor will feature two retail stores open to both businesses and the public, adding to the vibrancy of Circle Square. Workers at No.3 Circle Square will benefit from a range of growth support opportunities through an in-house events programme, connecting them with key stakeholders and neighbouring businesses.
Sustainability is a core principle of No.3 Circle Square’s design. The building will be net zero carbon in construction and operation in shared spaces, aiming for BREEAM Excellent status and a NABERS 5-star rating. Innovative features such as an all-electric heating and cooling system, smart metering, and roof-mounted solar panels are part of the building’s efficiency strategy. A state-of-the-art ventilation system will ensure maximum efficiency and fresh air control for those working inside.
John Marland expressed excitement over the progress, highlighting the appetite for innovative workspaces in Manchester’s growing ecosystem. “It’s fantastic to see No.3 Circle Square coming to life,” Marland said. He emphasised the focus on sustainability and first-class amenities as key factors that make the workspace attractive. Meanwhile, Lee Powell underscored Manchester’s expanding tech and innovation community, stating, “This collaboration showcases GMI’s commitment to excellence.”
No.3 Circle Square is just one of several developments by Bruntwood SciTech in Manchester. Its completion will contribute to a dynamic business ecosystem, supporting both large and small tech companies in their growth and collaboration efforts. As the city continues to innovate, No.3 Circle Square stands as a testament to the forward-thinking vision driving Manchester’s transformation into a global tech hub.
